The picturesque Italian fishing village of Varenna, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Como, has introduced a new dress code for tourists. Anyone caught wandering the streets bare-chested or in swimwear now faces a fine of up to 200 euros ($228). The regulation is part of a broader effort to curb the impacts of mass tourism in the region.
Under the new rules, the only areas where swimwear or bare chests are permitted are the village’s beaches, piers, and boat docks. The measure, which was enacted last month, also targets large tourist groups. Groups exceeding 25 people will be penalized, and tour leaders are prohibited from using loudspeakers or any amplification devices. Violations of these group rules can result in fines of up to 400 euros ($456).
Additionally, groups are instructed not to congregate in certain streets and historic alleyways that have been specifically identified. According to the official Varenna website, the village has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on Lake Como, thanks to its rich history, art, architecture, and culture.
Residents expressed support for the new rules in interviews with Italian news channel TgCom24. One unnamed resident stated, “You do what you want, but when walking around, entering a shop, a restaurant, a church, or a square, you must dress decently.” Another agreed, adding, “It’s not right to walk around half-naked in the town.” A third resident lamented that tourism had shifted from “quality” to “quantity,” noting that visitors often enter without greeting, touch everything, and leave without saying thank you.
This crackdown is part of a growing trend in Italy. Earlier, authorities in Sardinia banned beach umbrellas on one of its most popular beaches due to safety concerns. Many Italian beaches now enforce time limits to prevent overcrowding, and cities like Venice and Rome have introduced new taxes to manage tourism during peak seasons.
